Two Charged in South St. Paul Drive-By Shooting

Two South St. Paul people have been charged in connection with a drive-by shooting.

Desean Thomas, 22, and Breanna Harris, 21, were charged Friday, Aug. 22, in connection with the Aug. 19 shooting. Thomas is charged with second-degree attempted murder, drive-by shooting and possession of a firearm by an ineligible person. Harris is charged with second-degree assault.

South St. Paul Police say the shooting happened around 11:45 p.m. in an alley between Willis Avenue and Motor Avenue. When police arrived, they found a 51-year-old man who had been shot in the hip.

The victim told police he had loaned a rental car to Harris and another woman while their vehicle was being fixed. He was trying to get the vehicle back when he was assaulted. Police found several bullet holes in the truck, and the back window was shot out.

“This is another example of senseless gun violence that easily could have claimed the life of the victim,” Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom said.

Harris and Thomas were arrested the next day. A Dakota County judge set bail at $750,000 without conditions and $500,000 with conditions for Thomas. Harris’ bail is $150,000 without conditions, $100,000 with conditions. Both are set to appear in court in September.